C-Hawk boats - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Jamie M · 07-23-2003, 06:18 AM

Do you sharpies know anything about these boats? Again, I checked www.thehulltruth.com, and the consensus seemed to be that it was a lower-range, servicable, fairly tough hull. To me, it sort of looks like the Parker SE (modified vee) hull. Looks pretty functional. My biggest concern would be the low (very low) freeboard. At some point, I'll have kids out there with me, and this doen't look like the safest hull for kids to be out on.

But it looks like a nice rig for $15,900.

JohnR · 07-23-2003, 07:30 AM

You keep asking about specific but different models. What are you looking to do boating? Flats & inshore - some snot - lots a snot? New? Used?

Van · 07-23-2003, 07:51 AM

Don't know about the quality, but it looks like a WET boat....
How long is it?
Great for fishing, but kids(and women) don't like getting splashed, thats why I went with WA.

Good Luck.
V.

Jamie M · 07-23-2003, 08:22 AM

I guess it would help if I specified what I'm looking for. I currently have a 19-foot dual console. I'm looking for something a little beefier. My boating probably breaks down like this:

60% of the time, I'm using light spinning gear to throw plugs and eels into the rocky shoreline of southeastern CT, Watch Hill, and Fishers Island. So I need something that's very fishable. Since I occasionally liveline shad or bunker, a big livewell would be nice.

30% of the time, I have the wife and dog out with me for sunbathing, swimming, and lunch. So I'd like a hull that has the bow set up in a way that there's a large, flat surface (like a casting deck) that when cushioned, 2 adults can lay out comfortably.

10% of the time, I'm scuba diving. For this, I'd really like the engine mounted on one of those swim/dive platforms that runs the entire length of the transom, with a transom door to access it. This platform would give me a handy place to sit and put my dive gear on, as well as give the dog an easy place to get in/out of the boat.

I usually only go out on fairly calm days. The worst seas I'll REGULARLY be in would be a 2-foot, tight chop. I'd like something that can hacndle that without getting me drenched (this C-Hawk does look like a very wet boat).

I mentioned a comparison to car-shoppping in an earlier post. I'd like to get the "Honda" of boats - I don't want tio deal with the problems I'd get with a "Yugo", and I can't afford a "Lexus".

Speaking of afford, I'm hoping to get a clean, used rig in the $20,000 range. But if we hve to go new, I can go as high as $35,000.

The hulls I've seen so far that look promising are a 23-foot Pacific (welded aluminum) and the 22 foot Bluefin. The Seaswirl 21 and 23 CC's look good too, I just haven't seen one in person yet.

So in addition to this hull, I'd appreciate any other suggestions.

Thanks,

Jamie

mrmacey · 07-23-2003, 08:47 AM

its a dry boat, clean, the only problem I see with mine is youll stay dry in 4-6fters and youll spend less than what you think pm me if interested!!

capesams · 07-23-2003, 11:28 AM

the c-hawk was a copy of the sea ox. the ox is one tough boat that can take alot of rough water, very dry boat. very stable, great for just about anything you want to do in it.I know I had one for 18 years, not like these sunday go to meetin boats. short,high sided, dumpy looking ,waste of good glass, what the heck is that thing kind of boat......if anyone takes kids out in a boat, they should be sitting on their ##### an not leaning on the rails.

BigBo · 07-23-2003, 07:23 PM

I know where that boat is. Saw it the other day and again today. Looks to be made solid enough, but, not much freeboard if you're planning to take kids out on. The "telephone booth is small. Only room for one person to stand behind. Looks like it could be a wet ride.
There's an older '70's vintage 20' Seacraft sitting behind that boat. Looks like it's in fairly decent shape but it's only got an 88HP Evinrude motor hanging off the back (a little under powered) They're asking something like $8700. Clean her up and hang a bigger motor on there and you'd have a sweet 20' center console.

JohnR · 07-24-2003, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigBo
There's an older '70's vintage 20' Seacraft sitting behind that boat. Looks like it's in fairly decent shape but it's only got an 88HP Evinrude motor hanging off the back (a little under powered) They're asking something like $8700. Clean her up and hang a bigger motor on there and you'd have a sweet 20' center console.

Even better is in between the 20 Seacraft and the Hawk is a 23 Seacraft - that's a boat

! The 20 seacraft will have adequate side height for kids (25") if it's a 20 Master Angler but it will lose the casting deck. One boat that is high sided, have the swim platform you're looking for, helluva ride (hull stolen from 23 Seacraft) is the Sailfish. The 216 Sailfish is a little bigger but similar to the standard 20 seacraft and can be had used for 15-20 on bt http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/2/50945832.htm and the 23 (which is almost 25 long and is a BIG boat) can be had in the high 20's used....

BigBo · 07-24-2003, 08:40 PM

Yeah, I saw that too, John. They're asking something like $49,000 for that 23. It's got twin Mercs on her. Just a little on the high $ side I'd say. The 20 footer is not a Master Angler, but it definately has potential for someone looking for a project Seacraft.

l.i.fish.in.vt · 07-25-2003, 08:29 AM

the C Hawk is a good boat for the money. it was built as a commercial hull. i knew a lot of guys that used them as clam boats.they are good work, fish plat forms. they may not ride like a contender or seacraft, butthey don't rock and roll as much either.i have been on several boats that ride really nice in rough seas, but tring to stand up and fish was an effort.